Are you planning a sailing trip in Cuba? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options, & other useful sailing information. Get our help! Explore the romantic bays and hidden sandy beaches. Do not hesitate – to begin your unforgettable journey right now! Tips and advice on how to make the best of your time while sailing in Cuba.

This article gives an overview of the following topics:

The weather of Cuba
About Ports in Cuba
Islands in Cuba: Small islands, atolls, and coral reefs: this is also Cuba
Sail in Cuba! Cuba sailing and catamaran tours
Sailing in Cuba: Our offer for a one-week-long sailing round trip
Sailing around Cuba: A 1 week Northeast Cuba sailing trip
Cuba sailing holidays: 7days North Cuba yachting

The weather of Cuba

The largest island of the Caribbeans is characterized by a typical subtropical climate. This means that there are two seasons. The “dry” season lasts from December to April, while the wet one is from May to October. There is a lot of sunshine during the whole year, the air and water temperature is comfortably hot. Depending on the season, water temperature is at least 20°C (68°F) or even 30°C (86 °F) sometimes. The most pleasant climate for sailing is between December and May. During these times, the humidity is lower. From the summer months until November, we have to be really careful though, especially on the eastern shores. Hurricanes are common in this period, causing a lot of damage in the area.Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Cuba.

About Ports in Cuba

When sailing in Cuba, you may encounter special situations you should prepare for in advance. For instance, ports in the south are more crowded due to the vessel traffic that has increased in recent years. There is often a waiting list for marinas. This is especially true in Trinidad and Cienfuegos. So it is worth planning our trip and arranges our boat rental well in advance.

It is important to note that there is an official limit on marinas in the country. Small bays on the northern shores are closed for yachts. It is only allowed to dock at ports or tourist facilities in Cuba. Some of the dedicated places are Puerto Vita, Cayo Coco, Cayo Levisa, Marina Cabo San Antonio, Cayo Largo, Varadero. There are a few exceptions in areas where there are no settlements. The strict regulations are in connection with the fact that 22% of the territory of Cuba consists of national parks or nature reserves.
As in the case of many other countries, we should be careful about our valuables and docking our boat with reasonable care in Cuba as well.

Port of Havana

The largest port of Cuba is just a few km from the city centre. Boats can enter the port from the north through a short, straight inlet. It is divided into three parts: Marimelena, Atarés and Guanabacoa. The depth of the seabed is between 4, 6 and 11, 9 m. The port can accommodate larger boats. Due to its size, location and infrastructure, there are several commercial terminals. It is an important centre for fish, fuel and oil trade.

Port of Mariel

They started building the port of Mariel in 2009. The canal was dredged to 18 m (even deeper than the port of Havana) so Super-Panamax vessels can also use it. Enormous cruise ships can moor here, there are logistics centres, shopping centres and many entertainment options for tourists.

Port of Baracoa

It is located at the eastern end of Cuba. It is a well-protected port against winds. The canals are 22 m wide. The maximum depth of the seabed is 7, 6 m. The services include refuelling and water resupplying. It is a major port for sugar export.

Port of Cienfuegos

The main port in the southern part of the island is La Perla del Sur or the Pearl of the South. The port of Cienfuegos is considered a large port in Cuba. It can accommodate boats up to 150 m. The depth of the seabed is 12 m. While Christopher Columbus visited in 1494, it was formally founded in 1819. .

Port of Casilda

This small port is mainly recommended for local boats and smaller boats. The main attraction of this port is the nearby beach. It is less known, so you can relax in a peaceful environment. You should also visit the local restaurants that offer authentic Cuban specialities.

Port of Santiago de Cuba

The second-largest port city of Cuba is located in the southeastern part of the island, in Oriente Province. It is a major port for import and export in the region. The bay is quiet and protected against winds. The famous Casa del Habano is a few-minute walk from the port. Here, you can buy the best-quality Cuban cigars and you can visit the Bacardi Museum.

Port of Nuevitas

The port of Nuevitas is on the Guincho Peninsula. It is a smaller port, and a major shipping point for sugar. The depth of the seabed is 9-10 m, the canals are 7-10 m wide. There are port elevators and cranes that work around the clock. The services include water resupplying and refuelling. However, boat maintenance is only available to a limited extent.

Islands in Cuba: Small islands, atolls and coral reefs: this is also Cuba

Many think that Cuba is actually one large island. This is not the case. The reason why the country is a popular sailing paradise is that the main island is surrounded by thousands of small islands. Coastal flows are formed around these islands, providing a chance for beginner sailors to gain experience, while the more experienced can still find a challenge here. We are going to describe the most interesting parts of the Cuban archipelago. The most beautiful parts and the finest spots in brief.

Isla de la Juventud – the largest

The second-largest island after the main one was named after the youth. We are 50 kilometres from the Cuban shores, in the centre of the Canarreos, south of Havana. A significant part is covered by pines, characterizing the view and the atmosphere. Due to the volcanic activity that was present several thousands of years ago, the shores of the island are covered by black sand. The island is a pleasant spot for tourists because of its climate. This is true regardless of the fact that sometimes hurricanes strike the place.

”Gardens of the Queen” – the unspoiled nature

The second-largest group of islands is located on the Caribbean Sea. There are six hundred reefs and small islands between the bays Ana Maria and Guacanayabo. The “Jardines de la Reina “is one of the most popular destinations for scuba divers. The waters surrounding the islands are rich in fish and sea creatures. That is why fishermen are common visitors in the area.

”Gardens of the Kings” – the world of beautiful corals

The archipelago called Jardines del Rey lay can be found on the northern shores. Coral islands and reefs lie about 200 kilometres long from northeast to the southeast on the Atlantic Ocean. Half a dozen of these are larger and more significant in terms of tourism. Two of them are directly connected to the mainland (Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo).
The islands provide a natural habitat for several animal species as the Caribbean flamingos that can be found in vast numbers here.

February 28, 2024

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